BMW M3 reliability
The BMW M3 fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 15.5% of 11,900 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
12 DVSA recalls for the BMW M3
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Takata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)
Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.
Fix: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.
Recalled models: M3 · 97 vehicles
On affected vehicles ingress of transmission fluid may occur to the integrated transmission control unit within the mechatronic module
On affected vehicles ingress of transmission fluid may occur to the integrated transmission control unit within the mechatronic module
Fix: On affected vehicles the transmission mechatronic module will be replaced
Recalled models: M3 · 26 vehicles
A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Fix: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.
Recalled models: M3 · 2,486 vehicles
It is possible that a damaged seat belt may have been installed into the vehicle during production.
It is possible that a damaged seat belt may have been installed into the vehicle during production.
Fix: The front left upper seat belt will be replaced on affected vehicles as a precaution.
Recalled models: M3 SALOON · 7 vehicles
It is possible a screw of mechatronics transmission control may be missing
It is possible that a screw of mechatronics transmission control may be missing.
Fix: The mechatronics unit will be replaced inside the transmission
Recalled models: M3 · 1 vehicles
The screw connection of the front seat belt buckle assembly to the seat frame may not be tightened properly
The screw connection of the front seat belt buckle assembly to the seat frame may not be tightened properly.
Fix: On affected vehicles the screw connection of the lower belt of the front seats will be checked and if necessary reworked.
Recalled models: M3 · 60 vehicles
The cfk drive shaft 3 hole flange with a pushing piece is not produced with sufficient long term durability
The flange of the propshaft may become detached.
Fix: Replace the propshaft with a alternative construction.
Recalled models: M3 · 973 vehicles
Plug in contact cable may malfunction
It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
Recalled models: M3 · 36,410 vehicles
Driveshaft may fail
The propshaft slide joint may not have been lubricated during manufacture
Fix: On affected vehicles check propshaft and hwere necessary replace propshaft.
Recalled models: M3 · 6 vehicles
Seat belt may malfunction
On affected vehicles the Driver's seatbelt retractor may be faulty. The seat belt may be hard to pull out or below zero degrees it may not be possible to pull the belt out. In these instances a driver may not be able to use the belt as intended.
Fix: On affected vehicles Check belt operation and replace belt if necessary
Recalled models: M3 · 1,502 vehicles
Rear window pane may detach
The rear side windows and the rear windscreen all made from a synthetic polycarbonate may detach from the vehicle causing a danger to other road users and possibly pedestrians.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the rear side windows and if necessary the rear windscreen with conventional glass windows.
Recalled models: M3 · 17 vehicles
Engine may cut out
The double clutch is not operating at the optimum level. This could lead to the engine cutting out at low speeds.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to programme the necessary control units.
Recalled models: M3 · 1,001 vehicles
Checking a BMW M3 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.